In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, few embrace innovation with the vigor of Lyndsay Munro. As a passionate educator, she has welcomed the rise of generative artificial intelligence as a remarkable teaching ally. Leveraging the capabilities of this technology, Munro has developed custom tools to not only enhance student engagement but also to guide them toward meaningful discovery amidst rigorous coursework.
With a wealth of experience in the University’s Department of Chemistry, Munro is now poised to invigorate the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources’ Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology. As she joins the faculty as a teaching professor, her innovative spirit promises to inspire the next generation of students in the field of biochemistry.
“We are excited to welcome Lyndsay to our team,” says Justin Legleiter, chair of the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology. “Her enthusiasm and innovative approach to engaging students in STEM will be a tremendous asset to our students as they prepare for careers in biochemistry.”
Reimagining Biochemistry: Personalized Learning Powered by AI
At the heart of Munro’s teaching philosophy lies a straightforward yet powerful question: “Where are the students, and how do I meet them there?” Teaching large classes, often exceeding 300 students, she sought a means to connect with each individual. This quest led her to create a custom AI-powered chat tool derived from her lecture notes. Unlike conventional tutoring solutions, this chat bot refrains from providing direct answers, opting instead to facilitate problem-solving dialogues. Remarkably, her class engaged in over 3,000 conversations with the tool, a level of interaction that Munro found deeply rewarding.
“They loved having an anonymous, always-available tutor,” she reflects, highlighting the accessibility and support offered by this innovative resource.
In addition to the chat tool, Munro utilized AI to transform traditional lecture notes into a podcast-style dialogue. This provided students with the opportunity to review content flexibly, as if they were tuning into a science-themed radio show. The latest iteration allows students to actually “join” the conversation, further enhancing the interactive learning experience.
“With large lectures, students often need additional ways to engage and stay excited about their classes,” Munro explains. “AI gives them personalized options that cater to their different learning styles.” Her philosophy emphasizes that the integration of technology not only aids in instruction but also harnesses the diverse experiences within the student body.
This approach will be central to her upcoming role, particularly in a challenging four-credit biochemistry course for approximately 100 students. Eager to integrate AI tools to foster success, Munro sees potential in every challenge the technology presents.
“AI has its challenges, but focusing only on the negatives means missing opportunities to deepen learning,” she states. “It challenges educators to rethink how to engage students so they can learn differently and more deeply.”
Career Path: From Industry to Innovation in Education
Munro’s journey into academia is rooted in a foundational understanding of chemistry, which she pursued at the University of West Florida, focusing on biochemistry. Her initial experience in industry as a customer liaison chemist for Cooper Standard—a rubber extrusion company—provided valuable insights into practical applications of science. Yet, the desire for more direct engagement in scientific exploration prompted her to pursue graduate studies.
Encouraged by her undergraduate advisor, Munro transitioned to the University of Nevada, Reno, drawn not only by the robust chemistry program but also by the allure of the area’s outdoor lifestyle. Under the guidance of Professor Vince Catalano, she navigated her Ph.D. while also discovering a passion for teaching as a graduate assistant.
This commitment to education now extends far beyond the classroom. In her current role, Munro serves as the faculty liaison for academic standards through the Provost’s Office, actively participating in AI initiatives and the development of educational programs that incorporate artificial intelligence. She is engaged in teaching a course at the University’s Lake Tahoe Campus and is involved with Nevada Online to establish an AI certificate program, showcasing her dedication to integrating innovative practices throughout the educational landscape.